Creativity for Adults

Every time I turn on the news, I’m bombarded with negative information about our economy, our nation, our world. It’s hard not to become sick and unsure of everything. That feeling even robs me of my creative energy, leaving me feeling numb.

In times like these, I think our creativity can be quite healing. For instance, after much struggle, I finally sat down to write and as I did, the worries of the world melted away and I felt a deep peace. Once I realized what was happening in me, I stopped and reflected on the moment. That’s when I started thinking about the healing power of the arts.

I have a friend who is a movie-a-holic. She sees one or more movies a week. I’m not talking DVD’s. No, she goes the theatre where she’s totally enveloped by the massive screen & storyline. For nearly two hours, she is transported away from the ugliness of life. Depending on the genre of film, you can leave the theatre feeling uplifted and hopeful or thankful that your life doesn’t resemble the deep brokenness of the characters you just met on screen.

Paintings and other visual arts have the same affect. The photo above is one of my favorites. I took it one bright summer morning as the dew collected on the grass. When I look at this photo, I’m instantly taken away to a mysterious land of peace and hope.

God gave us our creativity not to use only as a small child, drawing images of stick people and houses with puffy smoke pouring from the crooked chimney. No, I believe that He gave us His creativity because, as adults, He knew we’d need it to help us through the difficult times. It’s a way to express the depths of our soul, to create beauty and to see His beauty amidst the brokenness. But, I think He gave us creativity mostly to connect intimately with Him – which gives us strength to move through the ebb and flow of our daily lives.

Grace & peace to you ~ deAnn

(c) 2008 deAnn Roe of Vertical Creativity. Can be used with permission by contacting deAnn.